| Buying a second hand car can be something of a | | | | When carrying out visual checks on the car, |
| lottery if you are not well informed about cars and | | | | remember to check the tyres for even wear. If the |
| their values. And even if you are, there are still some | | | | wear is uneven, then there may be a problem with |
| obvious pitfalls you should avoid if you want to | | | | the car's suspension. Some unscrupulous dealers or |
| ensure that you've bought a quality used car. | | | | individuals may tamper with the mileage on a car, so |
| The first thing to do when considering buying a | | | | check that the wear and tear on the vehicle is |
| second hand car is to acquire a second-hand car price | | | | consistent with the recorded miles. For example, if |
| guide. Many newsagents stock these and failing that | | | | the car is advertised as doing only 5,000 miles but |
| there are plenty of online guides available. While these | | | | the tyres are worn and the bonnet is covered in |
| won't be free, but they will be a great investment, | | | | stone chips, then that evidence isn't consistent with |
| and the few pounds you spend on a guide could | | | | the advertised mileage. And if the car is over three |
| save you hundreds, or even thousands when it | | | | years old ask to see its MOT certificate. |
| comes to buying your car. You'll also get a good | | | | Never buy a car without taking it for a test drive - |
| indication of what type of vehicle you can afford and | | | | however great it looks stood on the drive or |
| what price you should expect to pay. | | | | forecourt. But do make sure that you are insured to |
| Although the next tip sounds obvious, it is amazing | | | | do so before getting into the driver's seat! By driving |
| how many people don't follow it: when you go to | | | | the car you'll not only get a feel for whether this is |
| look at the car you are interested in, make sure you | | | | the car for you, but also you can be alerted to any |
| view it in the daylight! All the flaws, scratches and | | | | potential problems. Drive at a variety of speeds, up |
| any other body faults will be clearly visible, and you'll | | | | and down hills and in reverse. This way you'll be able |
| get a much clearer perception of the car than if you | | | | to highlight any suspension or clutch problems. |
| viewed it at night. This applies equally, whether you | | | | Lastly, stick to your guns; If you are after a |
| are interested in buying from a garage or a private | | | | particular make of car - whether it's a used Ford car, |
| individual. | | | | a second-hand Renault Clio or a classic Land Rover - |
| Getting a second opinion is a must. But get it from | | | | make sure you buy the one you want! Don't be |
| someone who can give you an unbiased opinion and | | | | persuaded to come away with a car you didn't really |
| preferably someone with mechanical knowledge. If | | | | want but that the salesman insists is far superior and |
| you don't know anyone personally, major road | | | | a much better deal to your original choice. The |
| organisations such as the AA and RAC will inspect | | | | chances are it's not! Adam Singleton is an online, |
| the car for you for a fee, although it wouldn't be | | | | freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer |
| advisable to organise an inspection until you were | | | | from Scotland. His interests include travelling and |
| sure that that was the vehicle you wanted to buy. | | | | hiking. |